A number of matters were called before Chief Justice Patrick Keane at the High Court in Rarotonga via an audio-visual link on Friday.

The court has set a three-day Judge-alone trial starting on September 23 of this year for a man charged with indecent assault and two counts of contempt of court.

Defence lawyer Mark Short explained that his client, whose identity is under interim name suppression, was not present in court due to work commitments.

Crown Law said the complainant and witness include children and would need witness consent. 

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Judge Romeo Nee Nee denied the charges of four counts of assault on a female, assault with intent to injure, breach of protection order and unlawful detainment.

Represented by defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and opted for a judge-alone trial.

The matter was adjourned to May 24 for a trial date to be confirmed.

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The case against Elliot Julia Hunt has been adjourned to May 24 for a plea to be taken.

Represented by defence counsel Mark Short, she faces a charge of threatening to kill and common assault.

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Lawyer Mark Short also represented Sharmiana Thompson who pleaded guilty in December 2023 to stealing $125,000 over a five-year period from Bank South Pacific (BSP) on Rarotonga.

The court heard a presentence report was ready and emailed by the Probation Service.

Chief Justice Patrick Keane said a repatriation report would be ready by May 17 and the matter was adjourned for sentencing in August.

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Sentencing date for Keleni Amy Truman Muasobu, who is facing careless driving causing injury charge, is to be confirmed.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the defendant had already pleaded guilty, a presentence report was ordered and they needed a sentencing date.

The repatriation report was to be ready by May 17.  

Meanwhile William Pukeiti, who was facing a charge of possession of cannabis, had his case dismissed after the Crown Law advised Chief Justice Patrick Keane that there was no evidence found.